Ever since then, climbing enthusiasts have been trying to get The Wall reopened. After failing to pass legislation last year, the goal may now be within reach.

"We began things late last spring going to the attorney general, DLNR and our legislators and saying, 'Hey, we need to come to the table and reach a solution on this,'" explains Michael Richardson, the owner of Climb Aloha, who has spearheaded the legislative effort.

The collaborative effort resulted in a bill (SB 1007) that's currently making its way through the state Senate. The bill states any sign that warns of dangerous conditions on improved or unimproved public lands, is adequate protection for the state and counties against lawsuits. The measure has received support from state and county agencies, who view the bill as the proper balance between common sense and holding government accountable.

However, the bill would not protect state and local governments from litigation if there is gross negligence, for example, if a warning sign becomes unreadable.

"We feel a lot more hopeful about this year's effort," said Richardson. "The current bill I think is a real good compromise, or solution, and that's kind of what politics should be about."

Meanwhile, a separate measure (HB 2592) in the state House indemnifies the state and counties against lawsuits if a person is injured while participating in hazardous recreational activities, such as surfing, hiking or kayaking.

"It's simply going ahead and allowing these activities, but at the same time providing the safeguards for government," said Rep. Karen Awana, one of the co-sponsors of the bill.

In 2012, the state settled a lawsuit for $15.4 million dollars after two women died while attempting to use an unimproved trail at Opaeka'a Falls on Kauai in 2006. State Attorney General David Louie submitted testimony to several Senate committees saying the case would likely not have gone to court if a law about signage had been in place.

Hawaii has become a mecca for thrill seekers of all types. But when excitement leads to injury or even death, the state and counties often become the target of lawsuits. Several bills making their way through the legislature this year hope to guard against that. KITV4's Andrew Pereira is here to explain... Andrew? Paula, lawmakers and those who participate in outdoor activities are trying to strike the proper balance between negligence and common sense. Whether it's dropping into North Shore surf or climbing a mountain, government often takes the blame when things take a turn for the worse. State lawmakers hope to stem the tide on lawsuits by making it clear that if you take part in a risky activity, you're on your own. REP. KAREN AWANA: "IT'S SIMPLY GOING AHEAD AND ALLOWING THESE ACTIVITIES, BUT AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDING THE SAFEGUARDS FOR GOVERNMENT." After a 12-year-old girl was critically injured in Mokuleia by a falling rock at a spot known as "The Wall," the Department of Land and Natural Resources posted signs and closed the area. More than a year and eight months later, rock climbers remain shut out... signs are even posted on the actual rock climbing wall. MICHAEL RICHARDSON: "FOLKS CALL ME ALL THE TIME OR EMAIL AND ASK IF IT'S OPEN AND MY OFFICIAL STANCE HAS ALWAYS GOT TO BE THAT IT'S CLOSED. YOU KNOW BRING YOUR SHOES, YOU CAN STILL BOULDER AT WAIMEA BAY." A bill that could reopen "The Wall" to climbers says any sign that warns of dangerous conditions on improved or unimproved public lands is adequate protection for the state and counties against lawsuits. The bill is supported by state and county agencies. MICHAEL RICHARDSON: "WE BEGAN THINGS LATE LAST SPRING GOING TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, DLNR AND OUR LEGISLATORS AND SAYING, 'HEY, WE NEED TO COME TO THE TABLE AND REACH A SOLUTION ON THIS." However, there would be no protection for government against lawsuits in the case of gross negligence, for example if a sign becomes unreadable. REP. KAREN AWANA: "THAT'S TAKING THAT FAIR BALANCED APPROACH SO THAT IF GOVERNMENT IS INDEED NEGLIGENT, WE WILL GO AHEAD AND TAKE THAT RESPONSIBILITY AS WELL." MICHAEL RICHARDSON: "WE'RE REAL HAPPY, THIS IS HOW GOVERNMENT SHOULD FUNCTION." In 2012, the state settled a lawsuit for $15.4 million dollars after two women died while attempting to use an unimproved trail at Opaeka'a Falls on Kauai. The state attorney general says the case would likely NOT have gone to court if state if a law about signage had

A Justice Department civil rights investigation has concluded that the Ferguson Police Department and the city's municipal court engaged in a "pattern and practice" of discrimination against African-Americans, targeting them disproportionately for tr...